Handheld devices as visual indicators

ABSTRACT

A computing device is configured with a multifunctional backlit display. The backlighting can be operated in at least a first mode and a second mode. In a first mode, the backlighting provides luminance to the display so that images on the display can be easily seen. In a second mode, the backlighting provides visual stimulus for relaying information to a user or a user&#39;s surroundings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/718,969 entitled “HANDHELD DEVICES AS VISUAL INDICATORS” and filed onDec. 18, 2012, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/128,586, entitled “HANDHELD DEVICES AS VISUAL INDICATORS” and filedon May 28, 2008, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/889,933, entitled “HANDHELD DEVICES AS VISUAL INDICATORS,” filed Jul.12, 2004, which issued on Nov. 10, 2009 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,616,097; bothof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable hand held computingdevices. More particularly, the present invention relates to portablehand held computing devices that utilize a backlit display as a visualindicator.

Description of the Related Art

Portable hand held electronic devices (such as PDAs, telephones andmusic players) have incorporated liquid crystal displays (LCD) tovisually display text and graphics to users. In some cases, the LCDshave included backlighting, which illuminates the LCD from behind sothat the text and graphics can be easily seen in low light conditions.The backlighting is typically user selected, i.e., the user can turn thebacklighting on and off. As is generally well known, this may beaccomplished with onscreen options or switches located on the device.When on, the intensity of the luminance typically stays at a constantlevel so as to not adversely effect or impact the user during use. Inessence, backlighting is similar to traditional lights found in homes,cars, flashlights, etc. That is, they must be switched on and off, andwhen on they only output at a constant level.

Other types of electronic devices as for example computers, computermonitors, televisions, and stereo equipment, have incorporated smallindicators to visually alert users of a particular status of theelectronic device as for example whether the device is on or off. Theseindicators typically include a small clear plastic insert, which islocated in front of a light emitting diode (LED), and which is insertedwithin an opening in the housing of the electronic device thus causingit to protrude outside the housing. Alternatively, the LED itself may beplaced in the opening in the housing such that it protrudes outside thehousing. While indicators such as these work well, they are limitationswhen applying them to smaller handheld devices. For one, handhelddevices have limited space, which makes placement of these types ofindicators difficult. In addition, the indicators always exist at thesurface of the housing thereby creating breaks, lines, pits,protrusions, which are aesthetically unpleasing and degrade the look ofthe hand held electronic device. Moreover, the indicators typicallycover a small area and only provide a slight amount of illuminationthereby making them difficult to see clearly, especially from fardistances.

In view of the foregoing, what is desired is a portable handheldelectronic device having a back lit display that produces a varyinglight effect, and that can be used as a visual indicator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a mobile handheld computingdevice configured for operation as a media player and for operation as asafety reflector or light in low light and no light conditions. Thecomputing device has a light source configured to output a beacon lighteffect that alerts others to the presence of the user of the computingdevice when the user is in low light or no light conditions. The beaconlight effect may include blinking, fading in and out, ebbing, pulsatingor strobing. The light source may for example be part of a backlitdisplay.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a computer implementedmethod performed on a hand held computing device having a backlitdisplay. The method includes receiving a light command and controllingthe back lighting in accordance with the light command. The lightcommand varies a characteristic or attribute of the light generated bythe backlit display in order to provide visual indicia on the backlitdisplay.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a hand held mediaplayer having a display with backlighting. The display is configured topresent text or graphics to a user. The backlighting is configured toprovide visual stimulus for relaying information to a user or a user'ssurroundings.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a media player system.The system includes a media device controller that directs inputs andoutputs between an input device, display, one or more light sources anda speaker. The media device controller includes a media player modulethat controls the overall activity of the media player system. The mediadevice controller also includes a GUI module that controls informationpresented on the display. The media device controller further includes amode selector module that controls whether the media player system is inone of a plurality of light modes. The media device controlleradditionally includes a light module that controls the operation of thelight source based on which light mode is selected.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a computer implementedmethod performed on a hand held computing device having a backlitdisplay. The method includes presenting a menu on the backlit display.The menu includes a backlighting feature. The method also includesdetermining if the backlighting feature is selected. The method furtherincludes retrieving backlighting options when the backlighting featureis selected. The method additionally includes presenting thebacklighting options on the backlit display. The backlighting optionsinclude at least first and second options, each of which representdifferent modes of backlighting. Moreover, the method includesdetermining if the first or second option is selected, retrieving alight setting associated with the first option when the first option isselected or a light setting associated with the second option when thesecond option is selected, and outputting a first light effect with theback lighting based on the first light settings or outputting a secondlight effect with the back lighting based on the second light settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a handheld computing device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a jogger wearing an arm clip with an illuminatedcomputing device attached thereto, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of illumination processing, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a media player system, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a computing device operational method, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6H show various screen shots of a computing device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7G are graphical plots showing various light effects, inaccordance with several embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a media player method, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a media management system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a media player, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally pertains to portable hand held computingdevices, which provide luminance via one or more light sources. Moreparticularly, the invention pertains to systems and methods forcontrolling the light sources so that the portable hand held computingdevices better communicate with the user, and the user's surroundings.One aspect of the invention relates to light systems with multiplefunctionality or modes. For example, the backlit display of the portablehand held computing device, which typically provides luminance forclearly viewing the characters presented on the display, mayadditionally act like a visual indicator for relaying information to theuser or the user's surroundings. In some cases, the backlit display maybe operated as a light beacon or safety light especially in low lightsituations. Another aspect of the invention relates to light systemsthat can be controlled to produce lighting with varying illuminationpatterns. For example, the backlighting may be configured to blink,fade, ebb, pulsate, strobe, etc. In some cases, it may even beconfigured to change color.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-10. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a handheld computing device 10, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The computingdevice 10 is capable of processing data and more particularly media suchas audio, video, images, etc. By way of example, the computing device 10may generally correspond to a music player, game player, video player,camera, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or the like.With regards to being handheld, the computing device 10 can be operatedsolely by the user's hand(s), i.e., no reference surface such as adesktop is needed. In some cases, the handheld device is sized forplacement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket sized, the userdoes not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device canbe taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limitedby carrying a large, bulky and heavy device).

As shown, the computing device 10 includes a housing 12 that enclosesand supports internally various electrical components (includingintegrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computingoperations for the device. The integrated circuit chips and othercircuitry may include a microprocessor, memory, a battery, and variousinput/output (I/O) support circuitry. In most cases, the microprocessorexecutes instructions and carries out operations associated with thecomputing device. For example, using instructions retrieved for examplefrom memory, the microprocessor may control the reception andmanipulation of input and output data between components of thecomputing device 10. In fact, the microprocessor may work with anoperating system to execute computer code and produce and use datastored in memory. By way of example, the memory may include a harddrive, flash memory, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM)and/or the like.

The computing device 10 also includes a display 14. The display 14,which is assembled within the housing 12 and which is visible through anopening in the housing 12, is used to display a graphical user interface(GUI) as well as other information to the user (e.g., text, objects,graphics). The display 14 generally takes the form of a flat paneldisplay such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). In some cases, thedisplay 14 is a backlit display. Backlighting refers to illuminationthat comes from behind the display (e.g., polarizing filters, liquidcrystal cells, color filters, glass plate in the case of an LCD) so thatthe displayed objects stand out vividly against the background.Backlighting typically causes the foreground, which includes thegraphical images produced by the display 14, to appear sharper or moredistinct in contrast to the background. This makes the display easier toread in low and no light conditions (conditions that typically make thecomputing device unusable).

Backlighting is typically produced by one or more light sourcespositioned above, beside or behind the display. The lights may forexample correspond to light emitting diodes or fluorescent tubes. Insome cases, a diffuser sits behind the LCD and redirects and scattersthe light evenly to ensure a uniformly illuminated display. The diffusermay be a panel or one of more flexible light pipes that a groupedtogether. The backlighting may be controlled with external switchesand/or through the GUI interface of the computing device.

The computing device 10 also includes one or more input devices 18configured to transfer data from the outside world into the computingdevice 10. The input devices 18 may for example be used to performtracking/scrolling, to make selections or to issue commands in thecomputing device 10. By way of example, the input devices 18 maycorrespond to keypads, joysticks, touch screens, touch pads, trackballs, wheels, buttons, switches, and/or the like. In the illustratedembodiment, the computing device 10 includes a touch pad 18A and aplurality of buttons 18B, which are assembled within the housing 12 andwhich are accessible through openings in the housing 12.

The computing device 10 may include one or more switches 20 includingpower switches, hold switches, and the like. Furthermore, the device 10may include one or more connectors 22 including data ports, jacks, powerterminals, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the computing device 10 is a pocket sizedhand held music player that allows a user to store a large collection ofmusic, and to listen to this music on the go (e.g., while working,traveling, exercising, etc.). In the case of a music player, the memorymay contain music playing software, play lists containing a plurality ofsongs, etc. Furthermore, the GUI may visually provide menus, play lists,music controls and/or the like to the user. Moreover, the touch pad mayprovide scrolling functions, which allow a user to traverse throughmenus or play lists on the GUI and the buttons may provide buttonfunctions that open a menu, play a song, fast forward through a song,seek through a menu and/or the like. In addition, the music playertypically includes an audio jack for outputting audio and a data portfor transmitting and receiving audio data (and other data.) to and froma host device. By way of example, the music player may correspond to theiPod series MP3 players manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino,Calif.

Referring back to the display 14, the backlighting is configured withadditional functionality in that it is capable of acting like a visualindicator unlike conventional backlighting which is dumb (on/off). Thatis, the backlit display 14 may produce a light effect that reflects thedesires and mood of the user, that reflects inputs or outputs for thedevice (or host), or that reacts to tasks associated with the operationof the device (or host). By way of example, the light behavior mayinclude emitting a particular glow or intensity, pulsing on and off orcycling with increasing and decreasing intensity. In essence, the backlighting provides visual stimulus to the user outside of its normal use.

The backlighting may be controlled by a user event or it may becontrolled based on some other event including events associated withcomputing device 10 or to events associated with a device operativelycoupled to the computing device 10. With a user selected event, the usermakes a selection either through a switch or the GUI in order to effectthe backlighting in a non trivial manner. For example, the user mayselect different backlighting modes, each of which performs a differenttype of backlighting. With an I/O event, the device itself adjusts thebacklighting in accordance with a particular input or output. Forexample, the illumination of the backlighting may change when uploadingor downloading data to/from a host device. With a programming event, thedevice adjusts the backlighting in accordance with a particularprogramming event. For example, the illumination of the backlighting maychange in accordance with the music being played on a music player.

The backlighting can be operated in several modes including for examplestandard mode, alert mode, night beacon mode, music mode and the like.In standard mode, the backlighting provides luminance to the display 14so that the images on the display 14 can be easily seen. In alert mode,the back lighting is controlled so as to alert a user when particularevent has occurred in the computing device 10. In night beacon mode, thebacklighting is controlled so as to produce a beacon signal that warnsothers of the user's presence. In music mode, the backlighting iscontrolled in accordance with the music being played on the computingdevice.

To expand on the night beacon mode, the backlit display 14 can beoperated as a safety reflector or light in low light and no lightsituations to warn oncoming traffic of the user's presence. Thecomputing device 10 essentially combines the functionality of thecomputing device 10 with a conventional safety light. The user thereforedoes not have to wield multiple devices when jogging, biking, walking,etc. As should be appreciated, it is typically desirable to reduce theamount of devices on ones person when performing these activities. Ingeneral, once the night beacon mode is turned on, the backlit display 14begins to output a beacon light effect. The light beacon effect may bewidely varied. For example, the beacon light effect may be associatedwith blinking, fading in and out, ebbing, pulsating, strobing, etc. Inbattery operated devices, the beacon light effect may even be designedin a manner that minimizes power consumption while maximizing its visualimpact to oncoming traffic. While the beacon light effect is beingperformed, the user can hold the computing device 10 or strap it to aportion of their body, hopefully with the backlit display 14 facing outso that oncoming traffic can see the beacon light effect therebyalerting them that something is there.

In some cases, the computing device 10 may include or be positionedwithin a clip that secures the device to a portion of the body or anarticle of clothing. In cases such as these, the user does not have tohold the device when jogging, biking, walking, etc. and further thebacklit display is positioned in manner that makes it highly visible tooncoming traffic whether from a car, jogger, a bicyclist, walker, etc.By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a jogger 30 wearing an arm clip 32with the computing device 10 attached thereto. As shown, the backlitdisplay 14 of the computing device 10 is outputting a beacon lighteffect that helps warn oncoming traffic of the joggers presence.Examples of clips can be found in copending case Ser. No. 29/196,833,which is herein incorporated by reference.

Although the night beacon mode is typically user selected, in somecases, the night beacon mode may be implemented based on signals,conditions or status of the computing device 10. The computing device 10may include one or more sensors or have one or more sensors coupledthereto, which help initiate the beacon light effect. For example, thecomputing device 10 may include a light sensor, an accelerometer, heartrate monitor, temperature monitor, and/or the like. With regards tolight sensor, the light sensor may instruct the backlighting to performthe beacon light effect when it detects low light conditions. That is,with help from a light sensor, the computing device may automaticallyplace itself in a light beacon mode when the ambient light is at apredetermined level, i.e., the user does not have to select the beaconoption on the user interface (whether a switch or GUI). With regards toaccelerometer, the accelerometer may instruct the backlight to performthe beacon light effect when the user and therefore the computing device10 is in motion. With regards to the heart temperature monitor, themonitor may instruct the backlight to perform beacon light effect whenthe user's heart rate or temperature is in an increased state.Alternatively, the beacon light effect may be initiated by programming.For example, the light beacon effect may be initiated when a particularsong or group of songs is played on the music player as for example whena “night jog” play list is selected. An example of a light systemutilizing a light sensor may be found in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/402,311, which are herein incorporated by reference.

It should also be noted that the control signal associated with thebeacon light effect may be additionally or alternatively outputted toother light sources, whether internal or external to the computingdevice 10. For example, the beacon light effect may be outputted fromone or more LEDs positioned at the exterior of the computing device 10.In cases such as this, the LEDs may be positioned at multiple positionsaround the device in order to cover a substantial portion of the deviceso that the light outputted therefrom can be seen by oncoming traffic.In addition, the beacon light effect may be additionally oralternatively outputted from illuminated buttons (backlit), connectorsand indicators that are already located on the device. Furthermore, thebeacon light effect may be additionally or alternatively outputted fromilluminated peripheral or host devices. For example, the beacon lighteffect may be outputted from illuminated arm bands, head bands, jackets,vests, belts and/or the like, which are operatively coupled to thecomputing device 10. Moreover, the beacon light effect may beadditionally or alternatively outputted from one or more light sourcespositioned internal to the device 10 and which illuminate the housing 12of the device 10. Some examples of the light systems which can be usedmay be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/389,915,10/075,964, 10/773,897, 10/075,520 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,887, whichare herein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of illumination processing 40, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. The illumination processing 40 isperformed by a computing device such as the one shown in FIG. 1 toprovide the computing device with an illumination effect, as forexample, the illumination of the backlit display.

The illumination processing 40 generally begins at block 42 where thedevice hardware and software is monitored. Here, one or more componentsassociated with the device can be monitored. By way of example, thecomponents being monitored can include one or more of a microprocessor,an operating system, an application or utility program, or input/output(I/O) devices.

After block 42, the process proceeds to block 44 where status of thecomponents is obtained from the monitoring. By way of example, statusmay correspond to I/O connectivity status, wireless connectivity status,network connectivity status, processor status (e.g., sleep, shutdown),program status (e.g., errors, alerts, awaiting inputs, received newmail, loading), selection status (e.g., switches, GUI options), remotestatus (e.g., retrieving information from the internet or host), and/orthe like.

After block 44, the process proceeds to block 46 where illuminationcharacteristics are determined. Illumination characteristics generallyrefer to how a light source is illuminated to produce an illuminationeffect. The illumination characteristics are generally based on thestatus information and predetermined configuration information. Thepredetermined configuration information may identify a type and natureof the illumination (e.g., duration, intensity, sequence, color, etc.)that is to be provided for a specific status. The predeterminedconfiguration information may be stored in a database of the computingdevice. Thus, the computing device consults the information held in thedatabase in order to determine the illumination characteristics for aspecific event.

In some cases, the predetermined configuration information stored in thedatabase may be accessed by a user through a light control menu, whichmay be viewed on a display screen as part of a GUI interface. The lightcontrol menu may include light control settings pertaining to one ormore events of the computing device. In fact, the light control menu mayserve as a control panel for reviewing and/or customizing the lightcontrol settings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently review thelight control settings and make changes thereto. Once the user saves thechanges, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., aspredetermined configuration information) to handle future eventstransmitted and/or received through the computing device.

After the illumination characteristics have been determined, the processproceeds to block 48 where driving signals for light sources aregenerated in accordance with the illumination characteristics, andthereafter used to control the light sources. In the case of the backlitdisplay, driving signals for the back lights are generated.Alternatively, the driving signals may be used to control other lightsources associated with the computing device as for example indicatorlights, housing lights and even light sources associated with peripheraldevices operatively coupled to the computing device.

The various aspects of the illumination processing described above canbe used alone or in various combinations. The illumination processing ispreferably implemented by a combination of hardware and software, butcan also be implemented in hardware or software. The illuminationprocessing can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computerreadable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage devicethat can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a media player system 100, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The media player systemgenerally includes a media device controller 102 that directs inputs andoutputs between an input device 104, a display 106, one or more lightsources 108 and a speaker 110. By way of example, the input device 104may be a touch pad or button, the display 106 may be an LCD, the lightsource 108 may be the backlighting associated with a backlit display,and the speaker 110 may be a headphone.

The media device controller 102 includes several modules, which may behardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software. Asshown, the media device controller 102 includes at least a media playermodule 112, a GUI module 114, a mode selector module 116 and a lightmodule 118. The modules may work individually or together with othermodules in order to process media information. The media player module112 is primarily configured to run the media aspects of the media playersystem 100. That is, the media player module 112 controls the overallactivity of the media player system 100. For example, the media playermodule 112 may include capabilities for inputting and outputting audioinformation. The GUI module 114 controls the information presented onthe display 106. The GUI module 114 may for example present a graphicaluser interface in the form of text or graphics on the display 106. Themode selector module 116 controls which mode the media player 100 is in.For example, in the case of light modes, whether the media player 100 isin a standard, or enhanced mode. The light module 118 controls the lightoperation of the light source 108. That is, the light module producesdriving signals, which drive the light source 108. The light module 118may include a set of instructions that tell the light module 100 what todo with the light source 108 based on what mode the mode selector 116module is in. By way of example, the light module 118 may instruct thelight source 108 to perform standard lighting or enhanced lighting basedon preprogrammed instructions.

During one particular operation of the system, the GUI module 114 (forexample after referring to the mode selector module 116) presents a listof light modes on the display 106. Using the input device 104, the userselects one of the light modes from the list of light modes. By way ofexample, the user may use a touch pad to move a selector bar though thelist of light modes and a button to select the desired light mode, i.e.,the mode around which the selector bar is positioned. The mode selectormodule 116 receives the selection signal, and changes the light modebased on the selection signal. Once the light mode has been set, theselected light mode will be employed to handle future light events. Insome cases, the mere selection of the light mode will initiate the lightevent associated with the light mode. In other cases, another selectionoperation needs to be performed to begin the light event associated withthe light mode. For example, the user may need to turn the light featureon via a switch or through a GUI menu similar to above. In either case,once the light event is initiated, the light module 118 begins tocontrol the light source based on the selected mode. For example, if theselected mode was a standard light mode, then the light module 118 wouldinstruct the light source 108 to perform standard light effects, and ifthe selected mode was an enhanced light mode, then the light module 118would instruct the light source 108 to perform enhanced light effects(as for example dynamic light effects associated with alerts, beacons,music, etc.).

FIG. 5 is an operational method 200, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The operational method 200 may for example beperformed on the computing device shown in FIG. 1 and/or on the mediaplayer system shown in FIG. 4. The method 200 generally begins at block202 where a main menu is presented to a user on a display. See forexample FIG. 6A, which shows the main menu 250 presented on the display14. The main menu 250 generally includes several options 252 associatedwith operating the computing device 10. By way of example, the main menu250 may include options 252 such as play lists, browse, extras, settingsand backlight. In most cases, each of the options 252 includes its ownsub menu of sub options, which are associated with the main option.

Following block 202, the method proceeds to block 204 where adetermination is made as to whether the backlighting option wasselected. If not, the method proceeds back to block 202. If so (as shownin FIG. 6B), the method proceeds to block 206 where the backlighting submenu is presented to the user on the display. By way of example, seeFIG. 6C which shows the backlighting sub menu 254 presented on thedisplay 14. The backlighting sub menu 254 generally includes one or morebacklighting options 256, which represent different modes ofbacklighting. In the illustrated embodiment, the sub menu 254 includesat least a first option 256A and a second option 256B. Each of theseoptions 256 is configured to initiate a different control operation whenselected. For example, the first option may initiate standardbacklighting (e.g., illuminating the GUI) and the second option mayinitiate enhanced backlighting (e.g., alerts, night beacon, programstatus, etc.).

Following block 206, the method proceeds to block 208 where adetermination is made as to whether the first option is selected. If itis selected (as shown in FIG. 6D), the method proceeds to block 210where a first light effect is performed by the backlighting of thedisplay. In the case of standard backlighting, a standard light effectis performed. The standard light effect is associated with normalbacklighting where illumination is provided at a constant intensity sothat the graphical images displayed on the GUI can be seen more clearly.By way of example, see FIG. 6E, which shows backlighting via a whitebackground (as opposed to a darker background shown in the otherfigures) and FIG. 7A, which is a graphical plot of light intensity vs.time for a standard light effect. In some cases, in addition toproviding standard backlighting, the GUI may revert back to the mainmenu when the first option is selected.

If the first option is not selected, the method proceeds to block 212where a determination is made as to whether the second option isselected. If it is selected (as shown in FIG. 6F), the method proceedsto block 214 where a second light effect is performed by thebacklighting of the display. In the case of enhance backlighting, anenhanced light effect is performed. For example, instead of continuouslyoutputting the same intensity as in block 210, the light intensity maybe variable so as to produce a dynamic light effect rather than a staticone. By way of example, the enhanced light effect may include togglingbetween backlighting OFF and backlighting ON (as shown in FIGS. 6G and6H). Alternatively, the backlighting may fade between backlighting OFF(intensity low) and backlighting ON (intensity high). The enhanced lighteffect may be associated with an alert mode, night beacon mode, programmode etc. In some cases, the GUI images may disappear when the enhancelight effect is selected. In other cases, the GUI may revert back to themain menu or generate a static or dynamic symbol. For example, the GUImay present “beacon”, when in the night beacon mode.

Several enhanced light effects are shown in FIGS. 7B-7E, each of whichis a graphical plot showing light intensity vs. time. As shown in FIG.7B, the backlighting is turned on for a period t1 and off for a periodt2. FIG. 7C is similar to FIG. 7B, however, the amount of time for botht1 and t2 have changed as well as the intensity level when compared toFIG. 7B. As shown in FIG. 7D, the backlighting fades in and out throughvarious levels of intensity (continuous change). As shown in FIG. 7E,there are two quick pulses at t1 and a pause t2 therebetween. As shownin FIG. 7F, the first pulse is at a first intensity and the second pulseis at a second intensity. As shown in FIG. 7G, the first pulse is occursfor a first duration t1 and the second pulse occurs for a secondduration t1′, which is longer than the first duration t1. It should benoted that these illustrations are not a limitation and that many morelight effects may be performed. For example, although these Figuresprimarily show preset and continuous patterns, it should be noted thatrandom patterns or individual pulses may also be used.

FIG. 8 is a media player method 300, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The method 300 begins at block 302 where adetermination is made as to whether or not a play list feature isselected. The play list feature may be part of a main menu. If a playlist feature is selected, the method proceeds to block 304 where theplay list is retrieved. The play list may for example be retrieved frommemory. In some cases, once the play list is retrieved the play list ispresented on a display as part of a GUI. The user can therefore scrollthrough the play list in order to find the desired song. After the playlist is retrieved, the method proceeds to block 306 where adetermination is made as to whether or not a song is selected. If a songis not selected, the method waits or times out (thereby causing themethod to proceed back to the beginning). If a song is selected, themethod proceeds to block 308 where the song is retrieved. The song mayfor example be retrieved from memory. In some cases, once the song isretrieved, information about the song is presented on a display as partof a GUI. Alternatively, the GUI may remain in the play list, revertback to a main menu or even go blank. Following block 308, the methodproceeds to block 310 where the music associated with the song isoutputted as for example to speakers or head phones. Thereafter, themethod typically proceeds back to the beginning.

Referring back to block 302, if the play list feature is not selected,the method proceeds to block 312 where a determination is made as towhether or not a light feature is selected. Like the play list feature,the light feature may be part of a main menu. If the light feature isnot selected the method proceeds back to block 302. If the light featureis selected, the method proceeds to block 314 where lighting options areretrieved. The lighting options, which may include various modes of thelight feature, may for example be retrieved from memory. By way ofexample, the lighting options may include a first and second light modewhere each mode operates the light feature differently. Following block314, the method proceeds to block 316 where a determination is made asto whether or not a first light mode is selected. If a first light modeis selected, the method proceeds to block 318 where light settingsassociated with the first light mode are retrieved. The light settingsmay for example be retrieved from memory. The light settings generallyinclude information on how the light is to be controlled. Followingblock 318, the method proceeds to block 320 where the light is outputtedbased on the light settings. Thereafter, the method typically proceedsback to the beginning.

Referring back to block 316, if the first light mode is not selected,the method proceeds to block 322 where a determination is made as towhether or not a second light mode is selected. If a second light modeis not selected (or any additional light modes), the method waits ortimes out (thereby causing the method to proceed back to the beginning).If the second light mode is selected, the method proceeds to block 324where light settings associated with the second light mode areretrieved. The light settings may for example be retrieved from memory.The light settings generally include information on how the light is tobe controlled. Following block 324, the method proceeds to block 326where the light is outputted based on the second light settings.Thereafter, the method typically proceeds back to the beginning.

In one embodiment, the first light mode corresponds to a standard lightmode and the second light mode corresponds to a safety or beacon lightmode. In the standard light mode, the light source (e.g., backlighting)stays on at a constant level so that the GUI can be more easily viewed.In the beacon light mode, the light source (e.g., backlighting) variesits intensity so as to provide visual indication.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a media management system 400, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mediamanagement system 400 includes a host computer 402 and a media player404. The host computer 402 is typically a personal computer. The hostcomputer, among other conventional components, includes a managementmodule 406, which is a software module. The management module 406provides for centralized management of media items (and/or playlists)not only on the host computer 402 but also on the media player 404. Moreparticularly, the management module 406 manages those media items storedin a media store 408 associated with the host computer 402. Themanagement module 406 also interacts with a media database 410 to storemedia information associated with the media items stored in the mediastore 408.

The media information pertains to characteristics or attributes of themedia items. For example, in the case of audio or audiovisual media, themedia information can include one or more of: title, album, track,artist, composer and genre. These types of media information arespecific to particular media items. In addition, the media informationcan pertain to quality characteristics of the media items. Examples ofquality characteristics of media items can include one or more of: bitrate, sample rate, equalizer setting, volume adjustment, start/stop andtotal time.

Still further, the host computer 402 includes a play module 412. Theplay module 412 is a software module that can be utilized to playcertain media items stored in the media store 408. The play module 412can also display (on a display screen) or otherwise utilize mediainformation from the media database 410. Typically, the mediainformation of interest corresponds to the media items to be played bythe play module 412.

The host computer 402 also includes a communication module 414 thatcouples to a corresponding communication module 416 within the mediaplayer 404. A connection or link 418 removably couples the communicationmodules 414 and 416. In one embodiment, the connection or link 418 is acable that provides a data bus, such as a FIREWIRE™ bus or USB bus,which is well known in the art. In another embodiment, the connection orlink 418 is a wireless channel or connection through a wireless network.Hence, depending on implementation, the communication modules 414 and416 may communicate in a wired or wireless manner.

The media player 404 also includes a media store 420 that stores mediaitems within the media player 404. The media items being stored to themedia store 420 are typically received over the connection or link 418from the host computer 402. More particularly, the management module 406sends all or certain of those media items residing on the media store408 over the connection or link 418 to the media store 420 within themedia player 404. Additionally, the corresponding media information forthe media items that is also delivered to the media player 404 from thehost computer 402 can be stored in a media database 422. In this regard,certain media information from the media database 410 within the hostcomputer 402 can be sent to the media database 422 within the mediaplayer 404 over the connection or link 418. Still further, playlistsidentifying certain of the media items can also be sent by themanagement module 406 over the connection or link 418 to the media store420 or the media database 422 within the media player 404.

Furthermore, the media player 404 includes a play module 424 thatcouples to the media store 420 and the media database 422. The playmodule 424 is a software module that can be utilized to play certainmedia items stored in the media store 420. The play module 424 can alsodisplay (on a display screen) or otherwise utilize media informationfrom the media database 422. Typically, the media information ofinterest corresponds to the media items to be played by the play module424.

Hence, in one embodiment, the media player 404 has limited or nocapability to manage media items on the media player 404. However, themanagement module 406 within the host computer 402 can indirectly managethe media items residing on the media player 404. For example, to “add”a media item to the media player 404, the management module 406 servesto identify the media item to be added to the media player 404 from themedia store 408 and then causes the identified media item to bedelivered to the media player 404. As another example, to “delete” amedia item from the media player 404, the management module 406 servesto identify the media item to be deleted from the media store 408 andthen causes the identified media item to be deleted from the mediaplayer 404. As still another example, if changes (i.e., alterations) tocharacteristics of a media item were made at the host computer 402 usingthe management module 406, then such characteristics can also be carriedover to the corresponding media item on the media player 404. In oneimplementation, the additions, deletions and/or changes occur in abatch-like process during synchronization of the media items on themedia player 404 with the media items on the host computer 402.

In another embodiment, the media player 404 has limited or no capabilityto manage playlists on the media player 404. However, the managementmodule 406 within the host computer 402 through management of theplaylists residing on the host computer can indirectly manage theplaylists residing on the media player 404. In this regard, additions,deletions or changes to playlists can be performed on the host computer402 and then by carried over to the media player 404 when deliveredthereto.

As previously noted, synchronization is a form of media management. Theability to automatically initiate synchronization was also previouslydiscussed. Still further, however, the synchronization between devicescan be restricted so as to prevent automatic synchronization when thehost computer and media player do not recognize one another.

According to one embodiment, when a media player is first connected to ahost computer (or even more generally when matching identifiers are notpresent), the user of the media player is queried as to whether the userdesires to affiliate, assign or lock the media player to the hostcomputer. When the user of the media player elects to affiliate, assignor lock the media player with the host computer, then a pseudo-randomidentifier is obtained and stored in either the media database or a filewithin both the host computer and the media player. In oneimplementation, the identifier is an identifier associated with (e.g.,known or generated by) the host computer or its management module andsuch identifier is sent to and stored in the media player. In anotherimplementation, the identifier is associated with (e.g., known orgenerated by) the media player and is sent to and stored in a file ormedia database of the host computer.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a media player 500, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The media player 500 includes aprocessor 502 that pertains to a microprocessor or controller forcontrolling the overall operation of the media player 500. The mediaplayer 500 stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system504 and a cache 506. The file system 504 is, typically, a storage diskor a plurality of disks. The file system 504 typically provides highcapacity storage capability for the media player 500. However, since theaccess time to the file system 504 is relatively slow, the media player500 can also include a cache 506. The cache 506 is, for example,Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. Therelative access time to the cache 506 is substantially shorter than forthe file system 504. However, the cache 506 does not have the largestorage capacity of the file system 504. Further, the file system 504,when active, consumes more power than does the cache 506. The powerconsumption is often a concern when the media player 500 is a portablemedia player that is powered by a battery (not shown). The media player500 also includes a RAM 520 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 522. The ROM522 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in anon-volatile manner. The RAM 520 provides volatile data storage, such asfor the cache 506.

The media player 500 also includes a user input device 508 that allows auser of the media player 500 to interact with the media player 500. Forexample, the user input device 508 can take a variety of forms, such asa button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the media player 500includes a display 510 (screen display) that can be controlled by theprocessor 502 to display information to the user. A data bus 511 canfacilitate data transfer between at least the file system 504, the cache506, the processor 502, and the CODEC 512.

In one embodiment, the media player 500 serves to store a plurality ofmedia items (e.g., songs) in the file system 504. When a user desires tohave the media player play a particular media item, a list of availablemedia items is displayed on the display 510. Then, using the user inputdevice 508, a user can select one of the available media items. Theprocessor 502, upon receiving a selection of a particular media item,supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media itemto a coder/decoder (CODEC) 1012. The CODEC 512 then produces analogoutput signals for a speaker 1014. The speaker 514 can be a speakerinternal to the media player 500 or external to the media player 500.For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the media player500 would be considered an external speaker.

The media player 500 also includes a network/bus interface 516 thatcouples to a data link 518. The data link 518 allows the media player500 to couple to a host computer. The data link 518 can be provided overa wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wirelessconnection, the network/bus interface 516 can include a wirelesstransceiver.

In another embodiment, a media player can be used with a dockingstation. The docking station can provide wireless communicationcapability (e.g., wireless transceiver) for the media player, such thatthe media player can communicate with a host device using the wirelesscommunication capability when docked at the docking station. The dockingstation may or may not be itself portable.

The wireless network, connection or channel can be radio-frequencybased, so as to not require line-of-sight arrangement between sendingand receiving devices. Hence, synchronization can be achieved while amedia player remains in a bag, vehicle or other container.

The host device can also be a media player. In such case, thesynchronization of media items can between two media players.

Although the media items of emphasis in several of the above embodimentswere audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), the media items are notlimited to audio items. For example, the media item can alternativelypertain to videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos).

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of theinvention can be used separately or in any combination.

The invention is preferably implemented by software, but can also beimplemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Theinvention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computerreadable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage devicethat can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system.Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory,random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storagedevices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. For example, the portablehandheld computing device may serve as a visual indicator for a hostdevice or other device operatively coupled thereto. It should also benoted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methodsand apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended thatthe following appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a display configured todisplay a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface(GUI) is configured to display a plurality of playlists, wherein eachplaylist of the plurality of playlists comprises a plurality of songs;an input device configured to receive a selection of a playlist from theplurality of playlists via the GUI; and a processor configured tocontrol a light level transmitted by the display according to aplaylist, which is selected from the plurality of playlists, wherein theprocessor is configured to control the light level using a presetintensity pattern assigned to the selected playlist.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to alternate the lightlevel between light modes of a plurality of light modes according to theplaylist selected, and wherein at least one of the playlists of theplurality of playlists corresponds to a light beacon effect associatedwith at least one of the light modes of the plurality of light modes. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the light beacon effect is configured toalert others of the presence of the system.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of playlists comprises another playlist thatcorresponds to a music mode.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the musicmode varies the light level transmitted by the display in accordancewith the song being played.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thedisplay is configured to present text or graphics, the light level beingconfigured to provide a visual stimulus for relaying information aboutthe selected playlist to an area around the system.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the light level is configured to operate in a firstlight mode providing constant luminance to the display and a secondlight mode that provides varying luminance for relaying information to asurrounding of the system, wherein an alternation between the first andsecond light modes occurs upon selection of standard or enhancedlighting.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the selected playlist isconfigured to be created on a remote computing device separate from andremote to the processor.
 9. A portable communication device, comprising:a display configured emit light at a light level and to display at leasta graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the GUI is configured todisplay a plurality of playlists, wherein each playlist of the pluralityof playlists comprises a plurality of songs; an input device configuredto receive a selection of a playlist from the plurality of playlists;and a processor configured to alternate the light level between lightmodes of a plurality of light modes in response to the selection of theplaylist, which is selected from the plurality of playlists, wherein theprocessor is configured to flash the light level using a presetintensity pattern assigned to the selected playlist.
 10. The portablecommunication device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of playlistscomprises another playlist that corresponds to a music mode.
 11. Theportable communication device of claim 10, wherein the music mode variesthe light level transmitted by the display in accordance with the songbeing played.
 12. The portable communication device of claim 9, whereinthe playlist is configured to be created on a remote computing deviceseparate from and remote to the portable communication device.
 13. Theportable communication device of claim 12, comprising a wirelesscommunication module configured to wirelessly couple the remotecomputing device to the portable communication device.
 14. The portablecommunication device of claim 12, wherein the remote computing devicecomprises a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a portable mediaplayer, or any combination thereof.
 15. The portable communicationdevice of claim 10, wherein the portable communication device comprisesa portable media player, a cellular phone, or any combination thereof.16. A method for controlling a light level for a display, comprising:displaying a plurality of playlists in a graphical user interface (GUI),wherein the GUI is displayed on the display having the light level oflight emitted from the display, wherein each playlist comprises arespective plurality of songs; receiving a selection of a playlist viaan input device configured to receive a selection of a playlist from theplurality of playlists using the graphical user interface, wherein theplaylist comprises one or more media files; and alternating the lightlevel between a plurality of light modes based at least in part upon theselected playlist selected from the plurality of playlists, wherein atleast one of the light modes of the plurality of light modes causes thelight level to flash using a preset intensity pattern assigned to theselected playlist.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein displaying theplurality of playlists comprises utilizing a standard light level forthe display until a selection is received.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein alternating the light level between a plurality of light modesis based in part upon a detection of motion via an accelerometer. 19.The method of claim 16, wherein alternating the light level between aplurality of light modes comprises flashing a light source thatcomprises a solid-state light-emission device.
 20. The method of claim16, wherein at least one of the playlists of the plurality of playlistscorresponds to a music mode that causes the processor to flash the lightlevel based at least in part on music being played.